Effect of Turmeric Extract on Serum Adiponectin Levels, Esteroid Hormone Profiles and Sexual Function in Stressed Women: A Randomized Triple-Blind Clinical Trial

Background aim: Sexual dysfunction will result from chronic stress, which negatively affect sexual activity and the secretion of estrogen and progesterone. Additionally, adiponectin that increases steroid hormones release could be influenced by different plants including turmeric . Thus, this study examined the effect of turmeric extracts on serum adiponectin level, steroid hormone profiles and sexual function in stressed women.Methods: In this randomized triple-blind clinical trial, 57 women with moderate to severe stress and poor sexual function visited the gynecology clinic of a  teaching hospital affiliated with Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran from April to August 2020.  Participants were selected by convenience method and then were randomly assigned to the intervention and control groups. The intervention group received 300 mg of turmeric extract daily for four weeks, while the control group used a placebo containing 500 mg of starch. Tools used included the demographic questionnaire, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS) and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Adiponectin, estradiol, progesterone, steress and sexual function  were measured in all participants before and four weeks after the intervention.  Data analyzed by SPSS (version 14).Results: Results showed a significant difference between the two groups in terms of post-intervention adiponectin (P 0.001), estradiol (P=0.006), and progesterone (P 0.001). Also, post-intervention sexual function score was significantly different between the two groups (P 0.001).Conclusion: Turmeric can enhance estradiol hormone profiling and as a consequence sexual function of women. Healthcare providers can recommend  consuming turmeric-containing foods to women for improvement of their sexual function.